Writing instrument



June 30, 1970 G. SCHMIDT 3,518,017

WRITING INSTRUMENT Filqzd July 29, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 e w: 6 w

3 Fig.1

Inventor: Gamma-0 Sum/pr 7 "mum? I fA-lw orpr June 30, 1970 G. SCHMIDT 3,513,017

WRITING INSTRUMENT Filed July 29, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet :1

Inventor:

GU/Jf/l 60 3090/9 T June 30, 1970 e. SCHMIDT WRITING INSTRUMENT 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 29, 1968 VIEQNKR Inventor.- Guumerz Sam/0F Jim-n9 United States Patent Office 3,518,017 Patented June 30, 1970 3,518,017 WRITING INSTRUMENT Gunther Schmidt, St. Georgeu, Black Forest, Germany, assignor to Gebr. Schmidt, St. Georgen, Black Forest, Germany Filed July 29, 1968, Ser. No. 748,323 Claims priority, application Germany, Aug. 2, 1967,

1,56 Int. (:1. B23k 27/00, 27/04, 27/12 US. Cl. 401-29 17 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to writing instruments in general, and more particularly to the type of writing instrument wherein a plurality of elongated marking elements are located within a hollow elongated barrel and are each slidable to operating position in which the respective writing element projects from the open end of the barrel.

Writing instruments of this type are of course known. They are usually provided for the purpose of affording the user a selection of different colors, and they may be of the type using different-colored leads or different-colored ball point mines which are also known as refills. In this type of writing instrument the refills, which term will hereafter be used for convenience but which is intended to include all possible types of marking elements which may find use in the type of writing instrument in question, are located within the barrel with clearance therein. There are at least two of such refills provided, and usually there are four of them.

This type of writing instrument. is rather popular because of the versatility which it affords the user. However, the mines or refills located within the barrel have some freedom of movement with reference to one another as well as with reference to the barrel, and this leads to a certain amount of noise--resulting from uncontrolled engagement of the refill for one another and/or with the inner circumferential surface of the barrelwhich is frequently found objectionable. Attempts to overcome this problem have not heretofore been entirely successful and the industry is still searching for a reliable way to avoid this noise problem.

It is accordingly a general object of the present invention to provide a writing instrument of the type under discussion which avoids the aforementioned problem.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide such a writing instrument wherein the problem is avoided in a simple and economical manner, and in a manner which will provide a permanent solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the above objects and others which will become apparent hereafter, one feature of my invention resides in the provision of a writing instrument comprising a hollow elongated barrel which has an open front end, and a plurality of elongated marking elements received within the barrel. These marking elements are selectively individually slidable to positions in which they project from the open end. Holding means is located in the barrel and urges the elements inwardly to engagement with one another.

By resorting to my invention I provide a writing instrument wherein the elongated marking elements, that is the refills as they will be called throughout the specification, are always in contact with one another and thus unable to perform radial uncontrolled movements relative to one another and relative to the inner circumferential surface of the barrel. This reliably and permanently avoids the possibility of objectionable noises developing for the reasons set forth above.

My construction is technically very simple, therefore inexpensive and does not interfere with the operation and/or with the space available for various other components of such a writing instrument.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic longitudinal section through a writing instrument incorporating one embodiment of my invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but illustrating a further embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 but showing an additional embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Discussing now the drawing in detail, and firstly the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, it will be seen that an elongated hollow barrel of a writing instrument is identified with reference numeral 7. In the usual manner the barrel 7 has an open front end, the aperture of the front end being identified with reference numeral 8. Located within the confines of the barrel 7 is a plurality of elongated Writing elements, such as mines or refills of ball point pensas illustrated in the embodiments of the drawing-or leads or the like. These are identified in FIG. 1 with reference numeral 3 and it will be seen that they are carried and supported by support means 1 which holds them in predetermined position relative to one another. The support means 1 includes guide sleeves 2 and the refills 3 are either rigid or articulately connected with pusher members 4 which are also carried by the guide means. All of this is already known in the art. The elements 3 are individually and selectively advanceable so that their front ends extend through the aperture 8 of the barrel 7 for writing purposes; to this end suitable arrangements for effecting this sliding movement of the elements 3 relative to one another are already known. Of course, the respectively advanced element 3 is arrested in the advanced position until it is intended to be withdrawn. Springs 5 serve in customary manner to exert a biassing action on the elements 3. A threaded ring 6 connects the support means 1 with the upper open end of the barrel 7; in other words, the support means 1 is threaded into the ring 6 and the latter is rigidly secured to the barrel 7 in the manner illustrated.

The elements 3 are located in the barrel 7 with clearance, as is clearly evident from FIG. 1. If the writing instrument were to be left as thus far discussed, the elements 3 would be capable of radial movement with reference to one another and to the inner circumferential surface of the barrel 7. Thus, they could contact one another and/or the inner circumferential surface of the barrel 7 in uncontrolled manner, thereby producing the objectionable noises which it is intended to avoid. In accordance with the present invention, however, FIG. 1 provides an annulus 9 consisting of elastomeric material, such as rubber or synthetic plastic material. In the illustrated embodiment the annulus 9 is of somewhat cylindrical configuration and it engages and encircles the elements 3 with slight inwardly directed pressure, thus holding them in engagement with one another (compare the front ends of the elements 3) and preventing them from performing movements relative to one another and relative to the inner circumferential surface of the barrel 7. The annular holding means 9 does not, however, prevent sliding movement of the refills 3 with reference to one another between their withdrawn position (shown in FIG. 1) and their advanced position. During such movement of one of the refills 3, the annulus 9 is frictionally prevented by engagement with the remaining elements 3 from performing movements in longitudinal direction. Thus, it will remain in the illustrated position.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 differs from that of FIG. 1 in that the annulus 9 is replaced by the annulus 10. All other components are the same as illustrated in FIG. 1, and are designated with the same reference numerals.

The annulus 10 which replaces in FIG. 2 the annulus 9 of FIG. 1 also consists of elastomeric material. However, the annulus 10 consists of a cellular elastomeric material, such as foam rubber or the like. Also different from the annulus 9 of FIG. 1 is the fact that the annulus 10 is in engagement with the inner circumferential surface of the barrel 7. The elastomeric properties of the annulus 10 serve to maintain the outer circumferential surface thereof in tightly abuting engagement with the inner circumferential surface of the barrel 7, as illustrated in FIG. 2, thus preventing the annulus 10 from performing movements axially of the barrel 7 in response to sliding movement of the refills 3 between their withdrawn and their advanced operating positions. Of course, the outer circumferential surface of the annulus 10 may be suitably roughened, for instance by providing projections, grooves, or the like, to thereby enhance the frictional engagement between it and the inner circumferential surface of the barrel 7. A further possibility is to utilize a bounding agent for bounding the outer circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface of the annulus 10 to the inner circumferential surface of the barrel 7.

Coming, finally, to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, which is the embodiment I currently prefer, it is pointed out that the components illustrated therein are again substantially the same as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Like reference numerals identified by components.

In FIG. 3, however, the annulae 9 and 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, have been replaced with a sleeve 11. This sleeve 11 is rigidly secured to the ring 6, or it may be of one piece therewith. The sleeve 11 may consist of metal or of synthetic plastic material, and will be capable of undergoing elastic compression. It will be noted that it is substantially cylindrical at its rear portion, but that its forward portion or front portion 12 tapers conically in forward direction. The sleeve 11 may be press-fitted into the barrel 7, or it may be adhesively secured therein. If provided on the sleeve 11 and the barrel 7 to prevent desired, suitable cooperating projections may also be axial movement of the sleeve 11 within the barrel 7, or pins or similar elements may extend through the wall of the barrel 7 and into the wall of the sleeve 11, or vice versa.

It will be seen that the portion 12 has an open forward end through which the refills 3 extend, this open forward end of the portion 12 being bounded by an edge portion which, due to the elastomeric properties or elasticity of at least a portion 12 engage the elements 3 and urge the same inwardly towards one another in the same manner in which this has been described and shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. To enhance the elasticity at least of the portion 12, the wall thickness of the portion 12 may decrease in the direction towards the open forward end of the sleeve 11, as shown in FIG. 3.

In all of the illustrated embodiments, the holding means 9, 10 or 11 will invariably reliably maintain the refills 3 in engagement with one another, and prevent them from performing radial movements. Furthermore, in none of the embodiments will the holding means interfere with other components of the writing instrument.

- Particularly in the embodiment of FIG. 3 the sleeve is not effected, and does not undergo any movements when the refills 3 are replaced with new ones. Furthermore, the portion 12 will always provide for reliable guidance of refills 3; it cannot be deflected by any portion of any refill 3, including the front portions thereof and will therefore invariably provide proper guidance and maintenance of the refill 3 against the objectionable noise development described before.

Evidently, the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 11 may also be provided with projections, ridges or the like, or be generally roughened, so as to provide better frictional engagement with the inner circumferential surface of the barrel 7.

It will be evident that it is not an indispensable condition of the present invention that the members 9, 10 and 11 be provided only with a single aperture through which all of the refills 3 extend. Rather, these holding means, that is the members 9, 10 or 11, may be provided with a plurality of individual apertures and each of these apertures may have one of the refills 3 extending therethrough. This provides even further and better protection against the development of noise. Also, the lower or bottom transverse wall of the somewhat cupshaped support member 1 (compare FIGS. 1-3) need not be straight, but could be upwardly concave so as to provide the refills with a slight inwardly directed tilt in their initial positioning, to thereby further enhance the effectiveness of the holding means, that is of the members 9, 10 or 11.

Finally, it should be mentioned with particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, that the cross-section of configuration of members 9 and 10 need not be that which is shown in the drawing. Evidently, the members 9 and 10 could both be of generally polygonal cross-section, of circular or of substantially circular cross-section, or the like. Also they could have a greater or lesser axial length than what is illustrated in the drawing.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a writing instrument, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

1. In a writing instrument of the type comprising a hollow elongated barrel having an open front end, and a plurality of elongated marking elements received within said barrel with clearance relative to each other and to said barrel and being selectively individually slidable to positions in which they project from said open end, the improvement comprising holding means located within said barrel for urging said elements into abutting engagement with one another.

2. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 1, said holding means comprising an elastic annulus encircling said elements.

3. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 2, wherein said annulus consists of elastomeric material.

4. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 2, said barrel having an inner circumferential surface spaced from and defining a clearance with said elements, said annulus being a ring of elastomeric material encircling said elements and engaging said inner circumferential surface so as to be frictionally retained in place during sliding movement of the respective elements.

5. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 4, said elastomeric material being a cellular elastomeric material.

6. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 4, said ring having a roughened outer circumferential surface for enhancing frictional engagement of said ring with said inner circumferential surface of said barrel.

7. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 4; and adhesive means adhering said ring to said inner circumferential surface of said barrel.

8. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 1, said barrel having an inner circumferential surface; and wherein said holding means comprises a sleeve mounted in said barrel in engagement with said surface and including a leading portion of converging cross-section having an aperture facing and inwardly spaced from said open end of said barrel, said elements extending through said sleeve and through said aperture and the latter being bounded by a marginal sleeve portion engaging said elements.

9. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 8, said sleeve consisting of synthetic plastic material.

10. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 8, said sleeve including a tubular rear portion and said leading portion being of substantially conical configuration and extending from said rear portion, said leading portion having a circumferential wall tapering in thickness in direction towards said aperture.

Cit

11. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 8, said barrel having a rear end; further comprising support means located at said rear end engaging said elements and supporting the same in predetermined position relative to one another; coupling means coupling said support means to said rear end of said barrel; and wherein said sleeve is rigid with said coupling means.

12. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 11, said coupling means comprising a screw-threaded ring, and said sleeve extending forwardly from said towards said open end of said barrel.

13. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 12, said sleeve being of one piece with said ring.

14. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 8, said sleeve contacting said inner circumferential surface in surface-to-surface relationship and being radially inwardly stressed by such engagement so as to engage said said inner circumferential surface frictionally and under pressure.

15. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 14, said sleeve being press-fitted into said barrel.

16. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 8, said sleeve having a roughened circumferential surface frictionally engaging said inner circumferential surface of said barrel.

17. In a writing instrument as defined in claim 8; and further comprising means rigidly connecting said sleeve with said barrel against longitudinal movement relative to the same.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,149,705 3/ 1939 Maucher 401-31 2,163,515 6/1939 Fend 40133 3,107,654 10/ 1963 Fehrenbach 4013 1 FOREIGN PATENTS 25 3,969 12/ 1948? Switzerland.

LAWRENCE CHARLES, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.. 40 l--33 

